Diomedes had waited for far too long. If it had been any, and he meant any of his brothers, they’d set of minutes ago. Such impatience was soon swept from the chaplains’ mind, focusing on the fact that these were not his battle brothers, rather mere mortals who knew little of discipline and finesse. Diomedes Romanus held mortal life close to his heart, as his chapter required he do, and he had been taught to admire their strengths as well as to accept their faults. He flexed his black armoured fingers from his crozius staff before wrapping them tight around its grip once more while rotating his opposing arms shoulder with a satisfying pop. He turned his skull shaped helmet towards Captain Titus.

“I would have-“ Diomedes started in his gruff tone and heavy accent, both distorted in a mechanical manner by the speaker in his death mask.

“Don’t start.” Titus interrupted, a wide grin spread over his face.

“We have a schedule.”

“I said don’t start. Anyway, such a schedule is not set in stone, give them a minute.”

“Like the ten we have already given?” And with that said the entrance of the Biologis centre hissed open.

The three natives seemed to jog out, obviously aware of how long they had taken. Three. One orange with blonde hair, light freckles, working attire and a large hat. One pink with pink hair and casual/performance attire. One blue with Technicolor hair, wings and sports/leisure attire. Diomedes also noticed tails on each that matched their hair, brightly coloured eyes and hoofed feet. They were so small, Diomedes had forgotten how small mortals could be, and not to mention frail. The largest was the orange one, who was much more muscled than the other two, built for manual work and heavy lifting. The blue one was very athletic, and probably a fast runner (and flyer for that matter). The pink one was out of shape, not exactly fat but slightly pudgy, and therefore held no aspiring physical traits.

The three girls took one look at the chaplain and reared back in fright. The chaplain was used to such reactions, even his brothers gave off the tiniest signs of invigoration when they looked upon him. A chaplains’ visage was designed to inspire fire into the hearts of his brethren, and fear into his enemies. Diomedes thought this a good quality to introduce the native populace to, as he could show them even the most terrifying of appearances can hold the best agendas.

“Ah, good. Now, Chaplain Diomedes has generously requested that he accompany you to the outposts’ chapel. Follow him and wait for us there.” Titus said before nodding to the chaplain and striding off.

The Chaplain turned to look at the (assumingly) female natives. Pupil dilation, raised heart-rate, heavy breathing and shaking. These people were truly terrified, and in a way Diomedes was quite pleased.

“Now that you know my name, I see it fitting that I know yours.” The chaplain said, stepping forward.

The girls were utterly hesitant to speak and just stood there close to one another.

“Perhaps on the way then. Come.” Diomedes said while turning to walk towards the chapel.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Diomedes’ footfalls where hard and heavy, his power armour truly letting its presence known. Like a group of scavengers trailing a predator, the girls walked quickly behind the astarte. His armour purred with unnatural life as it moved its fibre bundles and motors working at their finest as usual. His robes flicked and flew in the steady breeze as he walked, his incense burners swaying in synch with his movement. His crozius was also in step, like an old man’s staff, mimicking his far leg. The girls whispered to one another, unaware that the chaplain could hear them perfectly clearly.

“-and not to mention the smell. These....things are bad news. They need to leave!” The blue one said in a hushed tone .

“Really now, cuz ah remember they were the ones who patched you up not too long ago.” AJ replied matter-of-factly.

“Yeh, after they brought those other things here. This is their entire fault. They don’t belong here, and they’re already making a home.”

“Guys, c’mon. Even if they did start all this is there really anything we can do about them being here. Are you gonna, like, put them in their spaceships and send them away? They’re bigger than a manticore and tougher than a gobstopper.” The pink one added.

“Yeh, but I’m betting Celestia could give them a one way ticket to ‘Moon-town’. Can’t wait for the princess to put them in their place.” The blue one replied.

The group hadn’t been looking where they were going and ended up bumping into the stomach of the now stationary chaplain.

“Other chapters might take such claims as threats, and therefore a reason to defend themselves. You are lucky we are not such a chapter.” Diomedes took a step towards the group as they stepped back.

“You need to work on your extra-terrestrial negotiation skills.” The astarte stated.

Diomedes decided to take the scenic route and took the quick detour through the garden. The one natural part of the base was one of the most beautiful; the vast collection of exotic and alien flowers, silky grass and a soft sounding waterfall gave a very relaxing environment that was ideal for personal meditation and reflection. Diomedes took a seat on a thick rockcrete bench decorated with skulls and cherubs. Taking off his helmet Diomedes exposed his fair skin to the summer evening sunlight. His dark hair was cut into a short Mohawk, his scalp tattooed with lines of old gothic scripture. Tiny, jagged scars dotted his face and head, with one long one crossing over his mouth at an angle. His eyes were a dull hazel, with dark circles around them.

“I feel it is time I answered some questions you may have.” Diomedes stated simply.

“Do you eat ponies?” The pink one inquired immediately.

“No.” Diomedes replied, slightly perplexed.

“Are all y’all here tah stay?” The orange one asked next.

“Hopefully not. But the situation is uncertain at this time.”

“And what exactly is the ‘situation’?” The blue one asked, with a hint of venom in her voice.

“For reasons we cannot explain at this time there is some demonic presence on this world. Such a presence means a severe security risk to the populace.”

“Horse feathers! As soon as you guys turn up that thing turned up too! You all need to leave, you all don’t belong here!” The blue one spat at the chaplain, marching right up infront of him.

“We don’t belong anywhere.” Diomedes replied calmly while his gaze drifted to the trickling waterfall.

“We have been branded monstrosities and murderers by dozens of civilizations, and quite rightly too. We were built, bred and born to kill, to do what no one else would. We are all that stands in the way of every innocent life in the galaxy and annihilation.” Diomedes said while pondering on his own sinful actions.

“Why do you have to hurt things? Can’t you just be friendly?” The pink one asked with wide eyes waiting for an answer.

“If only the universe was as kind as your people seem to be. Perhaps one day we will not be needed. I pray such a day comes as soon as fate allows.”

A silence fell over the four, disturbed only by the ambient sounds. The blue girl threw her hands on top of her wild, rainbow coloured mane before walking in a short circle. The silence was interrupted by the orange girl.

“So, err, where are y’all from anyhow?”

“Us specifically, our chapter has been fleet-born since its creation. Our progenitor chapter hails from the world Macragge. A cold world, a proud world, a world where our kind really ‘belongs’.”

“So y’all jus’ fly around. Are yah lookin’ fer a home?” The orange one inquired.

“Not specifically. But a chapter world would make a fine change from the cold of space.” Diomedes said while replacing his helmet and standing once again.

He took stride once again and headed for the chapel. With more accusations and warnings from codename ‘Blue‘ the girls followed close behind. A couple minutes walk brought them to the chapel, the place of prayer, worship, meeting and ritual. Its doors were easily twice the height of an astarte, forged of ceramite and adamantium with golden decoration depicting the Emperor standing atop a hill of slain daemons. Diomedes father and protector looked down at his with a solemn expression, his graceful, long hair flaring around his perfect face, almost dancing within his radiant halo. Diomedes took a few seconds to thank his father for yet another day of glorious service and holy work.

He took a step forward and the external sensors ordered the doors open, their gears crunching together to move the ten tons of gateway. Diomedes strode through the doorway into the cool darkness of the chapel. Inside it was more beautiful than many could have imagined. The pillars were stretched depictions of graceful, skull faced angels back to back, each holding a flaming lantern that burnt a regal blue. Serfs scuttled, glided and marched about, some writing valuable scripture that may record the every event from within the base while others tended to the powerful technical portions of the structure. There were no benches of resting places within the buildings vast confines, it was believed a space marine must stand before his Emperors gaze with pride, not slouch burdened servant.

“You may wish to take a seat at the foot of one of the pillars.” The chaplain gestured to the flared out bottom of the nearest sculpted pillar.

The girls put up no argument and took a seat with enthusiasm, obviously tired from the day’s events. Diomedes marched up to the chapels’ altar and took a knee before a statue of Roboute Guilliman holding aloft a large stone carved Aquila. With his fist at his chest he recited a prayer of thanks and loyalty. He turned to see the girls taking in the sights around them, pointing at the array of brightly coloured stained glass windows and probing the thick mist that covered the floor of the inner sanctum.

“This is where we pay respects to our father, where we reflect on our campaigns events and take penance for our sins. I warn you to defile such a place is punishable by death, it would be advisable that you don’t touch anything.” The chaplain warned just as codename ‘Pink’ poked a hanging incense burner.

“Pinkie!” Orange warned, signalling that her friend sit down.

Diomedes turned, shrugging off the mortals’ ignorance and knelt into prayer once again.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dash hated all of this.

‘Why did I agree to tag along on this stupid experience? Oh yeh, that’s right, I wanted to see ‘cool alien stuf’f. But ‘cool alien stuff’ has just turned out to be more ‘gross, weird alien war machines and servants’. Not to mention the guy getting sliced up earlier, what the hay is wrong with these.......these...........things?!” Dash thought to herself.

She tightened her arms around her chest, her brow furrowing deeper in unease. She dared another look at the alien. Its huge bulk was crumpled up into a low kneel, muttering coming from its bony death mask. Looking around the inside of the room they were in Dash was reminded of her experience a few days ago. She shivered a little, trying to shake away the memory of waking up in an operating theatre. But then again, she couldn’t argue with the end results of her encounter with alien medical care. Her wings were fully operational, as if nothing had happened to them in the first place.

‘Yeh, real kind of them to patch up after something they caused. I bet more of those freaky guys are out there, just waiting for us all to get comfy and relaxed. Then, BLAM! And what’s with these guys setting up home so quick, they think they’re staying? Hah, I’d like to see their faces when they’re sent to the moon!’

“Quite the promise.” Said a calm, soft voice from behind Dash.

Dash spun around to see an approaching alien, only this one was not like one she had so far seen. It was equally as large, wearing the same bulky armour, and its face was the same ugly collection of flesh the others had. Only this one’s face was, if anything, handsome. Unlike his brethren, this one’s face was pleasing to look upon, his features smooth and gentle. His eyes were a brilliant and glowing blue that seemed to shimmer with a strange magic. Once he had stepped closer Dash could make out some abnormalities (aside from the obvious abnormality of being a smelly alien), such as the complete lack of hair. The other aliens had manes, and pores on their face where facial hair had been shaven, but this one was devoid of any existence of the stuff. Next were the deep, dark veins that crawled around his neck and head, contrasting against his porcelain complexion. His armour also bore a number of glowing runes, chained open books and horned skulls, while his head was surrounded from the back by a strange instrument that appeared to designed to contain something around his head. From this assembly came a number of tubes and wires that ended up burrowed into the aliens’ skull.

“The moon is a fare distance away, you’d have to have one very powerful kick to-...Ah, your matriarch holds.......Ah yes, she controls the suns trajectory and.........the other matriarch pilots the moon.......well that makes much more sense!” The alien said through a number of facial expression, but ending up beaming as if unravelling some puzzle.

‘What? What the hay is this weirdo doing? Is he.....like.......mentally handicap-‘ Dash began thinking, unable to respond to such a strange creature.

“Oh no, not at all. Although I guess my abilities do hinder my concentration at times.” The alien said again, a warm smile plastered on his pale face.

‘Ok.....this is freaky. Can he-‘

“Read your thoughts?”

“Hey! Stop that! Stop messing with my head!” Dash retorted, flailing her arms around her head as if attempting to swat some psychic wasp.

“At once, miss.” The alien replied, still smiling.

“AWESOME! Hey, I’m thinking of a number between-“ Pinkie began while bouncing on the spot.

“Cupcakes. You’re thinking about pink cupcakes with a kitten shaped marshmallow on top and not a number. I believe that is counted as cheating.” The alien said humorously while taking a knee next to Pinkie, leaving Dash and AJ frozen in confusion.

“Hehehe! What?! I had to be sure YOU weren’t cheating.”

“Indeed,” The alien replied with a warm grin, “My name is Isaac. I would ask you yours but I’m afraid I already know it Miss Pie.”

Dash was utterly terrified. This thing could read her mind, know everything she knew. Dash clenched her eyes shut and made a bizarre attempt at burying away anything in her memories that could potentially be used against her or her friends.

“That won’t be necessary Miss Dash.”

“I said stop it!”

And with Dash’s echo died down the building’s main doors groaned open once again. Through it stepped exactly who Dash had hoped, she couldn’t take any more aliens. Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Celestia, Luna and even Shining Armour walked through the large gates, only the alicorns keeping from gazing about in awe at the impressive architecture. Dash’s heart sank a little as the silhouette of eight more armoured aliens strode into the structure, the doors thundering closed behind them. From the shadows of the building’s interior scuttled, hovered and marched a collection of the mechanically altered servants. The swarmed the aliens like children to an adult that held promise of treats and affection. The aliens handed a number of items to the comparatively tiny minions, all of which Dash guessed to be weapons. The servants scurried off to the shadows once more, polishing and washing the treasures that had now been handed to them.

“Our sanctum monastery. Spiritual hall of the company, chapter and Imperium. Lights, thrones, holo-slab!” The one named Titus said as he marched forward, the last words he barked in a thunderous order.

With that said the building seemed to awaken from some age-long slumber. The walls hummed with a pulse, from the floor rose a series of obsidian pillars that slid to a halt in the correct pattern to make a circle of large, stony thrones. At the centre of the circle rose what looked like a steel snooker table, as wide as a house and just as long, wires snaking from underneath it to the cold metal floor. With a collection of buzzes and whines dozens of lights burst into life from above. The aliens, all of which seemed to be highly individualised, well decorated and of some great importance to their military marched past the girls with heavy steps and each took a seat around the table. Three seats remained empty, and Dash assumed (correctly) that they were reserved for the princesses and captain. Celestia and Luna were dressed in very formal dresses, designed beautifully and hand crafted to perfection; Dash wouldn’t be caught dead in such a thing. Twilights older brother was also well suited for the occasion in full uniform, and yet the usual awesomeness Dash felt seeing royal guards brilliant armour was not found. Within the circle of creatures that wore enough armour to survive a fall from the top of Canterlot, Shining Armour just looked like a child playing ‘dress-up’.

“Right then, before our primary inquiry is there any news of importance from our forces?” Titus asked with a gesture.

“The incursion point has been completely cleansed Captain. Final reports reveal no further demonic threat.” One of the lesser decorated soldiers announced.

The girls had all huddled together and moved right next to the Royal sisters, Celestia placing a hand on Twilights shoulder as she noticed how anxious she, and her friends were.

“Captain Titus. Our outpost, call signed ‘Seraph Perch’, cluster identification number 882538885-9SSG9 was at 100% operational readiness approximately one Terran hour ago.” Announced by far the strangest alien any of the equines had seen yet. This one wore a rusty red colour on one pauldron, knee plate and helmet. On its belt writhed and fidgeted a swarm of mechanical tentacles, draping down to its feet like a loincloth. On its back was a strange collection of engine-work along with a single, giant mechanical claw that was held up like the front legs of a praying mantis. It spoke as if there was no living thing underneath all that armour, but instead a cold and heartless machine, it’s deep, guttural growls nothing more than what you’d hear from an answering machine message.

“Good, very good. Now, we have the honour of being hosts to the country’s matriarchs and military commander. We give our welcome to Princesses Celestia and Luna, as well as Captain Shining Armour. Also here with our courtesy is the honoured civilians Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy.

Ten armoured faces turned to the guests, green eyes staring at them unblinking. The sisters and Shining Armour held their composure, most of the girls looked away in unease while Fluttershy alone, surprisingly, was the only one to stare back in curiosity.

“And so do I call this meeting initiated in confidence.” Titus announced as he removed his helmet, the others mimicking him shortly after.

Dash got a good look at all their hideous faces. Some weren’t so bad, the ones in white, the mind reader, a couple of the officers. Yet some nearly made her gag then and there. The computer voiced one barely had a face, just a collection of scarred and twisted flesh wrapped round and stapled to mechanical augmentations. Some of the other officers also looked like they had been through Tartarus and back, deep scars pulled shut by crude staples, large portions of face mangled and warped, dead eyes and in one case a whole half a head burnt off down to the bone.

“Princess, we fear we bring disturbing news.” Said Titus as he stood up, tapping his armoured finger on some form of keypad written in alien letters. With that the vast table came to life, a blue light reaching out from it. Bright blue lines made of light criss-crossed to form some kind of blueprint before fluxing and rippling to make out a picture of a computerised landscape.

“Several hours ago a scout group, sent to investigate the area in which your subjects said to have met a demonic presence, encountered what appeared to be a military front, with your subject as witnesses.” Titus gestured his hand and the landscape zoomed by to come to a stop at the far side of Smokey Mountain.

“Here was our first encounter with an opposing force. At first nothing but a rabble of goblins and trolls. But shortly after a single airship equipped for war, piloted by griffons. I can only assume that this was no coincidence, unless you know something I don’t?”

“I can’t imagine why Griffons would send a warship so close to Equestria. Our relationship with griffons has never been perfect, but they’d never invade us.” Celestia answered, her hand at her face in thought.

“But ‘Why would Goblins be here?’ is the more pressing question. They make their catacombs on the furthest side of griffon country.” Celestia added.

“There isn’t anything, no recent event that may have provoked such an action?” The mind reader inquired.

“Heh, maybe if you could rewind time 700 years. Griffons and ponies had a bit of a, uh...misunderstanding.”

“Misunderstanding?” Titus asked.

“Griffons were much more warlike back then, and took up a crusade through not just Equestria, but most of the known world. However their armies were halted by our military’s magical capability and superior morale.”

“Magic?” Growled the disfigured, mechanical alien.

“Aye, I believe this would be an ideal time for me to interject, my lord.” The white armoured soldier announced raising his armoured hand.

“Of course apothecary Idisor, speak.”

“You must forgive me milady, but after taking biographical scans of yourself and your retinue I could not help but notice certain qualities that I have to say are quit unique to your species.” Idisor said, nodding his head to Celestia.

“What do you mean?” The princess asked with concern.

“Well in our travels through space, our species has come to learn that a psychic mutation is to be expected in most alien races. Even our own brothers are rarely gifted with such other-worldly abilities. Yet your species has an entire sub-species of such remarkable anomalies, more specifically the ones you refer to as the ‘Unicorn’ race, as well as your own.”

“But more to the point,” he said turning to his brothers, “I believe the inquisition may take great interest in such a quality race has to offer. Captain, I advise you relay to our chapter master that we should leave such a detail out of our official records and analysis statements.”

The captain held his hands locked together and pressed to his thin lips in contemplation. His brothers turned to him, eagerly awaiting a response.

“Indeed brother. I shall inform chapter master Freadium of such an adjustment. I imagine he will take to it well. Thank you.” Titus replied with a nod which was quickly returned.

“What is this? What art thou talking about?!” Luna boomed while taking a stand.

“Nothing of concern I assure you, please sit.” Titus calmly replied, gesturing for her to sit down.

Just as the night princess was about to retort Celestia put a hand on her shoulder and stared at her with pleading eyes. Luna sat back down, much less happy than earlier.

The captain looked to be ready to begin again until a sharp synthetic chirp sounded from the holographic table along with a handful of small red shapes crawling from the edge of the projection.

“Enhance!” Titus barked at the table.

The landscape shot closer, focusing on the area the red shapes drifted through. They came from the Everfree forest, or rather seemed to float above it, and headed towards Ponyville.

“Visuals on anomalies!”

Infront of Titus formed a rectangle frame made of bright blue light, which soon was filled with a moving picture, much like Dash had seen at a movie theatre. The picture seemed to come from some kind of camera, its sight darting about. It soon caught sight of ten floating objects in the sky.

“Drone, enhance and analyse!”

The picture zoomed in on the objects revealing them to be a very familiar craft. It was ten griffin warships, floating lazily towards Ponyville. As they watched, and as the craft moved on, another three, then five craft also appeared close behind. As the seconds ticked away the five turned to another ten, then sixteen, then twenty.

“Drone, increase altitude!”

The picture rose from the ground and peeked over the Everfree tree line. It revealed what looked like the entire griffin military, and more. On the ground could be seen the tiny shapes of goblins running through the forest accompanied by the odd troll or two. The fleet of airships was accompanied by twelve enormous airships, each easily two thirds the size of Ponyville, along with little over one hundred smaller warships. Dash squinted at the picture, noticing a dark cloud following the fleet in from the west.

“W-what’s that? The cloud?” Dash asked shakily.

“Drone, shift left 80 degrees, Enhance!”

The picture revealed a sight that made Dash feel already dead. Thousands, tens of thousands of changelings. Wings buzzing and fangs dripping with drool.

“I....I don’t understand.” Celestia said wide eyed.

“I think we’re going to find out whether we like it or not. Brothers, mobilise our forces. No use in using our ships artillery, so we’re going to have to use ground forces and air support. Captain Proteus, lead the bulk of our force to the town, secure its perimeter and make sure that fleet doesn’t get passed you.”

“Consider it done. Brothers, with me!” One of the highly decorated soldier replied, leaving with exactly half the aliens in the room.

“Brother Gordalin, take a stormraven to our flagship, command the fleet and bring all the ships to the capital city. Fill our crafts bellies with civilians and deploy anti-infantry throughout the city. I doubt our initial forces will thin out those insectoids much before they reach the city walls. Leave ‘Smiting sun’ for my forces.”

“At once sire.” Replied another alien who quickly left.

“Matriarch, go with him. I doubt your civilians will go easily unless encountered by a friendly face. And as for your sister and subjects, you’ll need to travel to the town, evacuate the population as fast as you can. If the fighting traps either of you take refuge in one of our tanks. I will take a single ship and lead a retaliation force to the enemy’s capital. Celestia, would the enemy commander still be in his own city?”

“O-of course, griffins only bring in their leaders when a battle is being lost.” Replied the princess as her and her company stood and followed Titus to the door.

“Then I’d better reach him before the battle begins. Captain Armour, what soldiers you have, take them and guard our supply depots. Each depot is a drop pod that will be launched into the city, inside will be a holographic projector like the one you have just seen, only smaller, and each compartment will be filled with ammo dispensers. When a highlighted unit radios for ammo carry the required supply to that unit with as many men as it takes to carry. I warn you that most ammunition is volatile, so try your best not to drop it.” He said while marching through the double doors.

“You got it! Are we expecting heavy lifting?” Shining Armour replied while putting on his helmet.

“Very heavy. The unit you are supplying will inform you in assisting its reload if necessary.”

“WAIT!” Fluttershy yelled as she shot infront of Titus.

“...Um, excuse me, but uh...what about our homes? I mean, you’ll try and not uh, damage anything...won’t you?”

Titus expression turned to that of concern as he spoke.

“I’m sorry, but such targets are bound to cause a significant amount of damage when they hit the ground. That and our weapons are designed to deal a massive amount of damage, and stray fire is always a factor in wartime. I can assure you any and all damages will be compensated from the imperial treasury, in a couple of months any damages will be dealt with.” Titus replied while marching around the small pegasus.

“So y’all jus’ gonna blow up our homes?! Yah think yah can jus’ walk in and cause as much damage as yeh like?!” AJ retorted from behind Titus, Dash adding a supportive ‘Yeh!’.

Titus stopped in his tracks and turned to the small ponies.

“Would you have us withdraw?” He asked simply.

“Of course not, please Applejack-“ Celestia started.

“No, just her. If you wish it I’ll rally my forces back. But then what?” Titus asked, this time his temper heated.

AJ simply stood there, glaring at the alien, her strong arms crossed.

“I have come to understand that your kind is fearful of the unknown. I can understand that you don’t like us, you don’t like our way of life. I understand that you wish we’d never arrived on this world you call your own and I understand why you hold your material possessions so close to your hearts.” Titus’ gaze burnt into and through AJs’, forcing her to look away in unease.

“And I most certainly understand that your kind would never offer their military services so selflessly as we have. But I find it very hard to understand how you would rather exchange some slaughtered livestock and a burnt home for your country, your freedom or maybe even your lives.” Titus expression was that of utter amazement, his theatrics hitting home in the minds of those before him.

“Or perhaps it’s not that at all. Perhaps it’s just because you are willing to take any excuse to point the finger at those who you don’t trust.”

Titus took a step forward and brought his sneering face close to Applejacks'.

“Well I’m afraid you’re going to have to start learning to trust us, because the only way we can win this fight cleanly is with your cooperation. Because if you can’t, your country is going to start looking very different very quickly. So, are we fighting this for you or not?”